Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1887-11-12
Countess ualOla.
Ely wILEIE COLLINS.
THE FIRST PART.

THE FIRST PART.

recovered TO he present at tSle consultation.
Assisted by Agnes. she told the lawyer the
little that was known relating to Ferrari's
disappearance, and then produced the CORE
snondence connected with that event. Mr..
TROY read first the three letters addressed by
Ferrari to his wife; secondly the letter
written by Ferrari's courier friend, describ-
ing his visit to the palace and his interview
with Lady Montbarry; and (thirdlyl the one
line of anonymous writing which had accom-
panied thu extraordinary gift of a thousand
pounds to Ferraris wife.
Well known, at a later period, as the law
yer who acted for Lady Lydiard, in the case
of theft, generally described as the case of
INV Ladys Money" Mr.. Troy was not only
man of learning aud experience in his pro-
fession-he was also man who had seen
something of society at home and abroad.
He possessed keen eye for character,
quaint humor, aud kindly nature, which
q, had not been deteriorated even by a lawyers
professional experience Of mankind. With
all these personal advantages, it is q question.
nevertheless, whether he was the titteSt adj
wiser whom Agnes could have chosen under
the circumstances Little Mrs. Ferrari, with
many domestic merits, was an essentially
commonplace woman. Mr. Troy was the last
person living who was likely to attract her
sympathies-he was the exact opposite Of a
commonplace man.
"She looks very ill., poor thing" IN these
words the lawyer opened the business of the
evening, referring to Mrs. Ferrari us uncere-
moniously rs if she had been out OF the room.
"Sne has suffered terrible shock" Agnes
answered.
Mr. Troy turned to Mrs Ferrari, and looked
at her again, with the interest due to the vic
tim of a shock He drummed absently with
his fingers on the table. At last he spoke to
her.
my good lady, you don't really believe
that your husband is deadl'
Mrs Ferrari put her handkerchief to her
eyes. The word "iend" was Intellectual TO
express her feelings "Murderedln she said,
sternly, behind her handkerchief
"Whyl And 10y whom," Mr. Troy asked.
Mrs. Ferrari seemed 10 find some difficulty
in answering You have read NV nus
band's letter, sir" she began Il believe he
discovered She got as far as TINT, and
there she stopped.
what did he discover
There are limits to human patience-ever
the patience of bereaved wife This COO
question irritated Mrs. Ferrari into express
ing herself plainly at last
ale discovered Lady Montbarry and thu
baronl' she answered. with burst of hys
terical vehemence. 'The baron is no NOR,
that vile wonian's brother than I am TIL,
wickesiness of those two wretches came to m,
poor, dear husbands knowledge. The LADY,
maid left her place on account of it. If Fer
rari had gone away. too. he would have beel
alive Mt this moment They have killed him
say they have killed him, TO prevent it from
getting to Lord Montbarrv's ears So. il
short, sharp sentences, and in louder an,
louder accents, Mrs Ferrari stated her opin
ion of the case.
Still keeping his own view in reserve, Mr.
Troy listened with an expression of satirica
approval
Very strongly stated, Mrs Ferrari,r h
said You build up your sentences well
you clinch your conclusions in a workman,
like manner. Ii YOU had been man yo
would have made n good lawyer-you youI
have taken iurIeS by the scruff of their neck.
Complete the case, my good lady-complet
the case Tell US next who sent you thi
letter, incloSing the banknote The stw
wretches' who murdered Mr. Ferrari woul
hardly put their hands in their pockets an
send you II 1000 Who is Itch. | see til
postmark on the letter is Venice Have yo
any friend in that interesting city with
large heart, and purse to correspond, VIII
has been let INTO the secret and who wishes t
console you anonymously
IL was not easy to reply TO this Mrs, Fee
hogan fpai Thn first in -apia
of something like hatred toward Mr. TROY
Il don't understand you, sir she answere,
81 don't think this Is joking natter
Agnes interfered for the first time ST
drew her chair e little nearer u her leg,
counselor and friend.
What Is the most probable explanation
III your opinion" she asked.
II shall offend Mrs Ferrari if tell you,
MI Troy answered.
mo, sir, YOU WON'T! cried Mrs. Ferrar
hating Mr.. Troy undisgulsedly by this time
The lawyer leaned back in his chair. "ver
well, he SAID IN his most good humored MAJ
her' LFts nave u out observe, madam
DON'T dispute your view OF the position {
affairs at the palace IN Venice. You hay
your husbands letters TO justify you, an
you have also the significant fact that Lad
Montbarry mad did really leave the hons
We Will say then, that Lord Montbarry hi
presumably been made the victim of a fo
wrong; that MI. Ferrari was the first to fir
it out, and that the guilty persons had re-
SONS to fear. not only that he womb acoua;,
Lord Moptbarry with his discovery but IN,
he would be principal witness against the
if the scandal was made public in a court
Iatx Nf.tu N1nfrt Ill Al.
totally different conclusion from the co
clusion at which you have arrived. Here
your husSh left in this miserable househo
OF three, under very awkward circunstanc
for him What does he dos But for ii
banknote and the written message sent
you with it, | should say that he had wise
withdrawn himself from association with di
graceful discovery and exposure by takir
secretly to flight. The money modifes tb
Internationally so far Mr.. Ferrari
concerned. lsiiil believe he is keeping o.
OF the way. But | now say be Is paid fl
keeping out Of the way-and that bankno
there on the table Is the price of his ahsenc
paid by the guilty persons to his wife,
Mrs. Ferraris watery gray eyes brighten,
suddenly; Mrs. Ferrari's dull, drab color
complexion became enilvened ty a glow
brilliant red.
Its false" she cried. Its burnir
shame to speak of my husband in that way
u told You should offend your said NJ
Troy.
of go Sha tat. ,'., vac i''.eie
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